Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference will begin on June 9, and Apple is reportedly gearing up for a massive iOS redesign and a sweeping set of changes to how its device ecosystem works.
A major overhaul for the iPhone and iPad is on the cards as part of iOS 19, along with design enhancements for macOS 16.
iOS 19: Major Redesign On The Anvil
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has already said that iOS 19 will be "one of the most dramatic software overhauls" in Apple's history. Floating windows and a glass-like appearance across apps is anticipated in iOS 19. In order to provide a consistent experience across Apple devices, this design change could be extended to iPadOS 19 and macOS 16.
The design will feature new button styles, rounded app icons, and transparent menus. Controls in the Control Center may also have a similar rounded design.
Other changes expected include a new pill-shaped tab bar at the bottom of apps, with a Tab View icon and a search bar; elongated toggles in Settings and shimmering effect in lock screen controls; minimalist Camera app with only photo and video tabs; refreshed design for Messages app paired with features such as FaceTime and back navigation; an AI-packed doctor feature in Health app; live translation feature for AirPods, and AI-powered battery-saving function.
However, it appears that Apple isn't going to stop there and is eyeing other changes too.
watchOS And tvOS Revamp, visionOS Touch-ups
Gurman has claimed in his recent Power On newsletter that there will be major redesigns for both watchOS and tvOS in addition to minor touch-ups for visionOS.
Since its launch in 2015, Apple's tvOS has remained mostly unaltered, and currently feels quite different from the design used on iOS. That might change, as the largest Apple OS redesign since iOS 7 will bring the appearances of all the platforms closer together. On the other hand, there have been updates to watchOS, and visionOS has also seen its own set of tweaks over time.
Still, in a bid to make the designs of its many OS uniform, everything from transparent effects to app icons to button styles can be expected to get integrated across the ecosystem, with UI "adjustments" centred around a design drawn from the visionOS, Gurman has said.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
